Fri Jun 20 09:45:15 2008

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Portland Trail Blazers 2008 Draft Preview

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(Sports Network) - Portland selected center Greg Oden with the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft. The Ohio State product did not play a game in 2007-08 because of a knee injury.

Even without Oden, the Trail Blazers were .500 (41-41), and could be an immediate contender if Oden returns 100 percent healthy from his injury. Oden is expected to give them the low-post presence that they desperately need.

All-Star Brandon Roy led Portland in scoring (19.1 ppg) and assists (5.8 apg), while LaMarcus Aldridge bounced back from a disappointing rookie season to average 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per contest. Forward Travis posted 13.3 points per game and Martell Webster netted 10.7 in 75 contests.

Center Joel Przybilla averaged 4.8 points and a team-high 8.4 rebounds in 77 contests.

Everything depends on a healthy Oden. The Trail Blazers have a chance to make some serious noise if they can get Aldridge, Oden and Roy on the court at the same time.

Portland owns the 13th overall pick in round one and three second-round picks (33, 36, 55). The Trail Blazers would like to have a more stable player at point guard. Jarrett Jack has not been consistent enough, and could end up being dealt in the offseason.

DJ Augustin of Texas could be headed for Portland if he is available at No. 13. Augustin is a pure point guard and may do a better job at getting the ball to his teammates than Jack, who averaged 9.9 points and 3.8 assists in 82 games this past season.

The Trail Blazers will most likely deal one or more of their second- round picks. Acquiring a veteran forward to come off the bench may be on Portland's list of things to do.

2007-08 Results: 41-41, did not qualify for playoffs.

Key Player(s): LaMarcus Aldridge (Forward), Steve Blake (Guard), Channing Frye (Forward), Jarrett Jack (guard), Greg Oden (Center), Travis Outlaw (Forward), Joel Przybilla (Center), Brandon Roy (Guard), Martell Webster (Forward).

Team Needs: Veteran leadership and depth at guard.

Draft picks: 1st round (13th overall), 2nd round (33rd overall), 2nd round (36th overall), 2nd round (55th overall).